The lack of affordable housing is a big Westchester problem. I have been trying to help these two residents and so far haven't had luck. i have contacted landlords, affordable housing developers and don't want to give up. One affordable housing developer advised me that he has a waiting list of a few thousand people. Another mentioned that his waiting list is a few hundred people. If anyone has any suggestions please e mail me AT pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call me at 478 1219 or 438 1343. Both examples are heart breaking -and stressful for the individuals who don't want to live in a shelter. In the past, when I post requests for help I have had good successes -thanks to our caring community.PAUL FEINER
Please Help Us Help A Women Who Desperately Needs Affordable Housing
Westchester County is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. A community leader recently introduced me to a woman who could easily become homeless if we don't help her. She has lived in the Rivertowns for over a decade. Her landlord recently decided he needs her apartment for himself. She's been trying hard to find an affordable apartment/room without any luck.
The community leader who introduced me to her friend said "She is a person with disabilities that cannot be seen. She is also a cancer and a trauma survivor." This is heartbreaking!
Even with all of this, she has tried relentlessly to get assistance through a safety net that has failed her. She has called and applied to multiple housing agencies and resources. Most of the time, she’s been given another number to call. Sadly, she has called every number that she was given and she has not received the housing she needs.
Sometimes when I post requests to help - the community responds. I don't want her to give up or be forced out on the streets or into a shelter. That's why I'm writing this --hoping someone will respond and help her. Or give us some leads that can be pursued.
She needs to live within walking distance from Metro North and shopping. The community leader also noted that this woman is quiet, clean, and kind. If you have or know someone who has a low-income apartment, or a room to rent, please email me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. She can afford about $1000 a month and can provide you with references from respected members of the community.
AND ANOTHER PERSON WHO NEEDS HOUSING
Thank you for your time today. I am doing anything I can to help a family I work with to secure emergency housing. Grandma, mom, twin 14-year-old girls and their very small dog were displaced by a building fire 2 days before Thanksgiving. There is no estimate as to when or if the residents will be able to live there again. The family has few possessions left and would just like to remain together. Any 1-bedroom to help this family avoid going to a shelter would do. If they go to a shelter, they will need to surrender their dog who is a big comfort to the girls. And, if the family does not secure housing the girls will be removed from mom and grandma.
Any assistance to keep this family together would be greatly appreciated and any leads can reach out to me.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter,
Joanna Barsky, LMSW
Senior Clinician, Family Services of Westchester
Pronouns: she/her
7-11 S. Broadway, Suite 210
White Plains, NY 10601
Cell: 914-468-4819 (Primary number)
Office: 914-948-8004 x17
Fax: 914-358-9781
Joanna.Barsky@fsw.org